Literary Analysis

The Purpose of a Literary Analysis

Writing a literary analysis is all about breaking down a piece of literature (like a novel, poem, or short story) and examining its elements to understand how they work together to create meaning. You will be writing a literary analysis essay later in the course.

Literary Analysis Characteristics
- Understand the work (poem, play, short story, novel, etc.)
  - Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the text you’re analyzing.
    - Read it carefully and think about what the author is trying to say.
    - Take notes on important themes, characters, symbols, and events.
- Choose your focus
  - Decide what specific part of the text you want to focus on such as:
    - Themes
    - Characters
    - Symbols
    - Literary Devices
    - Author's Style
- Develop a thesis statement that is tailored for a literary analysis essay; remember that literary analysis thesis statements must include the title and author of the work you are writing about
  - Example:
    - In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the symbolism of the green light to represent Gatsby's unattainable dreams.
  - Example:
    - In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare shows that impulsive decisions lead to tragic consequences through the characters' actions.
- The developed body paragraph structure discussed in previous modules remains the same, but you would change the overall focus to what you are analyzing in your chosen work of literature
  - Notice how each commentary needs at least 2-3 developed sentences.
    - Thesis: Serving the President of the United States of America has several benefits but contains aspects some people do not prefer in a career.
    - Body 1 Topic: The President of the United States has a great amount of power which appears beneficial in certain situations.
    - Evidence: Today, “[t]he President of the United States must be ready to travel anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice. Fortunately, modern presidents have access to a variety of transportation options - including flying aboard Air Force One” (“Air Force One”).
    - Commentary: The president has his own airplane that he can use, so he can travel around the world whenever he wants or needs. Having an airplane at one’s disposal reveals power that few people have.
    - Evidence: In government, “[e]very bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approves he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it with his objections…” (US Const. amend. 1 sec. 7).
    - Commentary: The president does not have to allow a law that he thinks is not good for the country. The ability to choose what laws are helpful reveal the great amount of power the President holds.
    - Conclusion Sentence: Overall, the President holds a lot of power that can help him, so he has a lot of responsibility to use his power wisely.
- Use the outline below to help you organize your ideas
  - Click here to view the Essay Outline document
- Write your Introduction and Conclusion paragraphs last after you have organized all of your ideas and research.

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